No Sustainable Development for Africa Without Respect for Human Rights
Press Statement Commemorating Africa Day
“To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) joins the continent and the world in commemorating Africa Day on the 61st anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which in 2002 became the African Union (AU).
61 years ago, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was formed with the purpose of accelerating the liberation of Africa. Since then, the OAU has mutated into the African Union (AU), bringing together the African people to advance the welfare of all Africans.
As part of this year’s commemorations, ZimRights was invited to participate in the Africa Day Gala hosted by In Conversation with Trevor on 23 May 2025, reflecting on Africa’s place in the community of nations and the new scramble for Africa. Speaking at the Gala, our Team Leader, Dzikamai Bere acknowledged the role of business leadership in shaping the future and ensuring that Africa plays a significant role in the community of nations. At the colourful event that was graced by captains of industry, headlined by a keynote address by leading entrepreneur Shingai Mutasa, ZimRights invited business leaders not to forget the role of civic leadership and active citizenships in shaping Africa’s future, without which, Africa would not have obtained its liberation from the shackles of colonialism. ZimRights encouraged the business community to uphold human rights in the communities they work.
“As we shape our vision, as a continent that has suffered unspeakable injustice and violent atrocities, we must make a commitment not to recreate those atrocities in one way or the other,” Bere said.
ZimRights regrets that this year’s Africa Day comes at a time when many Africans are struggling to make ends meet and struggling to leave the continent and seek economic salvation elsewhere. Many Africans around the continent today are facing challenges that have significantly affected the enjoyment of their rights. Today, the Rule of Law in Armed Conflict Portal is reporting that Africa comes second in the number of armed conflicts per region with more than 35 non-international armed conflicts (NIACs) taking place in Africa. Beneath the surface, many atrocities are being committed by governments and armed groups. On the economic front, major atrocities are being committed against Africa’s poorest and future generations. From the human rights community, we look at these developments and several things give us sleepless nights in this new scramble, a new colonial agenda disguised as business, development aid, or economic development. The disempowering narrative of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) condemns our communities to being mere recipients. As we are all made to believe that our salvation as a continent comes from FDI, the very businesses that our communities are forced to embrace have caused untold suffering in communities.
We continue to document business-related atrocities that we wish to highlight.
- Land rights and displacement: Large-scale land acquisitions and infrastructure projects displace communities, threatening their livelihoods and cultural heritage. We think of the minority groups like the Shangaani people in Chilonga who are losing their land to business interests.
- Environmental degradation and pollution: Extractive industries and infrastructure projects that harm the environment, affecting communities’ health and access to natural resources. We think of the people of Penhalonga whose water sources are being poisoned. We think of the people of Chiadzwa whose environment has been made unliveable.
- Forced labour and exploitation: Migrant workers and local communities face exploitation, forced labour, and modern slavery in industries like agriculture, mining, and construction. We think of the sugar cane cutters in Chiredzi and the plight of millions of Zimbabweans living in inhuman conditions in the diaspora trying to earn a living.
- Violence and conflict: Competition for resources and territory fuels conflicts, displacement, and human rights abuses, particularly in fragile states. We think of the machete gangs that have rocked Zimbabwe’s mining areas leaving communities in a bloodbath.
- Surveillance and privacy violations: Increased digitalisation and surveillance pose risks to privacy, free expression, and assembly. We think of the many activists who are facing prosecution for expressing themselves. We particularly think of trade union leader Obert Masaraure who was recently convicted by the Magistrates Court for expressing himself on matters of grave injustice.
- Unethical business practices and corruption: Unscrupulous business practices, bribery, and corruption undermine human rights and the rule of law. We think of the Gold Mafia tragedy that is costing our nation over 30 billion dollars while no legal action is taken to ensure accountability.
- Cultural heritage and intellectual property rights: The exploitation of Africa’s cultural heritage and intellectual property raises concerns about cultural appropriation and misappropriation. We think of the endangered cultures in Matabeleland North and Mashonaland West as tour operators get a carte blanche over heritage sites and cultural minorities.
- Climate change and environmental justice: The impacts of climate change, such as rising temperatures, droughts, and floods, disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, exacerbating existing human rights challenges.
- Gender and social inequality: The scramble for Africa’s resources often perpetuates gender and social inequalities, particularly in industries like mining and agriculture.
- Accountability and access to justice: The complexity of international investments and operations can limit access to justice and accountability for human rights abuses. We think how the locals have been relegated to the bottom in the ‘open for business’ mantra. We think of the rural communities that today cannot claim justice when they lose their land because of the colonial legislation called the Communal Lands Act.
We are faced with an urgent need for Africa’s second liberation. The words of Angelou Maya are very instructive. “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, however, if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” When we look at all these emerging atrocities, we realise that we are living our history again. We call upon African leaders, that while they pursue economic growth, they do not sacrifice the welfare of the communities and the dignity of the people they are elected to protect. We call upon the business leaders as they expand their business empires, to respect the rights of the African people. There can never be sustainable development on the African continent without respect for human dignity.
Happy Africa Day to all Africans.
Issued by the ZimRights Information Department
info@zimrights.org.zw
